National News

Qld RL fans to decide on Maroons statue

Cameron Smith could become the next Queensland rugby league great to be immortalised with a bronze statue at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium.

Smith is among the leading contenders after Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk called for league fans to nominate the next player to be immortalised alongside Wally Lewis, Arthur Beetson, Mal Meninga and Darren Lockyer.

Ms Palaszczuk paid tribute to the long-time Queensland and Australian Test skipper, who announced his representative retirement on Tuesday after a record 42 Origin games.

"This is a blow for us, but if Origin's taught us anything, just when all looks lost there's always another Queenslander to step into the gap and take the ball up to the try line," she told parliament on Wednesday.

"On behalf of our state and this House, the fans and the families who love their rugby league, well done Cameron Smith, you did us proud."

Ms Palaszczuk suggested the likes of Smith, Johnathan Thurston and Allan Langer all deserved to join the "hall of fame" outside the Maroons' spiritual home.

"Perhaps it should be all three. What about all three? Tell us what you think and we'll get the ball rolling," she added.